Best Easy Cantonese Old Fire Soup Recipe

Ingredients are slow-simmered for hours in a Cantonese tradition that extracts every drop of nourishment. This protein-rich family soup represents the pinnacle of Cantonese slow-cooking wellness.

Cook 270 min Difficulty NORMAL 155 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork shoulder (bone-in) 1.5 lbs
  • dried scallops 1 oz
  • dried shiitake mushrooms 6 pieces
  • carrot 2 pieces
  • Chinese yam (fresh, peeled) 0.5 lbs
  • lotus root (peeled, sliced) 0.5 lbs
  • dried honey dates 4 pieces
  • water 10 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 1 tsp
  • white pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 9 g 23%
Protein 17 g 44%
Fat 5 g 33%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes until softened; slice off stems. Rinse dried scallops and set aside.

  2. 2

    Blanch the pork shoulder in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and rinse under cool water.

  3. 3

    In a large stockpot, add 10 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the blanched pork, mushrooms, scallops, carrots, Chinese yam, lotus root, and honey dates.

  4. 4

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any floating foam for the first 20 minutes to keep the broth clear.

  5. 5

    Simmer gently with the pot partially covered on low heat for 3–4 hours. Add water if needed to keep ingredients submerged.

  6. 6

    About 15 minutes before finishing, add salt and white pepper, stirring gently. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if desired.

  7. 7

    Remove the soup from heat. Carefully ladle broth and ingredients into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a bit of every item.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Cantonese Old Fire Soup recipe?
The flavor and nutrition foundation of this soup are built on pork shoulder (bone-in), which provides natural richness and a deep, savory taste. Dried scallops and dried shiitake mushrooms contribute signature Cantonese umami notes, while root vegetables like carrot, lotus root, and Chinese yam give body and subtle sweetness to the broth.
Q. Why is it important to simmer the soup gently for hours?
Slow simmering over low heat for 3–4 hours allows flavors from pork, mushrooms, and vegetables to fully extract into the broth while preserving ingredient textures. This gentle technique is crucial to preventing cloudiness and maintaining the clarity and depth that define Cantonese 'old fire' soups.
Q. How can I ensure the vegetables and pork don't overcook or turn mushy during long simmering?
Cutting the carrots and root vegetables into large chunks and keeping the heat at a gentle, steady simmer prevents overcooking. Partially covering the pot and periodically checking liquid levels also helps retain moisture and preserve the texture of all ingredients.
Q. What are the nutrition details for this soup per serving?
Each serving (350g) contains 155 kcal, 17g protein (44% of calories), 9g carbohydrates (23%), and 5g fat (33%), making this soup high in protein while being moderate in carbs and fat—suitable for protein-focused or diabetes-friendly meal planning.
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